Controlling LRIS via Scripts

Background

Virtually every aspect of LRIS is computer controlled, allowing operation of LRIS to be automated via control scripts. This powerful observing mode allows complex operations to be completed at the touch of a button. Using scripts, one can:
  • Change instrument configurations, such as the filter and grating selections, central wavelength, CCD focus, etc. (i.e., options availble from XLRIS)
  • Change exposure parameters, including exposure time, CCD readout window, number of CCD amplifiers in use, etc. (i.e., options available from Xpose). Exposures or exposure sequences can also be initiated.
  • Change telescope parameters, including telescope pointing (dithering).

Creating Scripts

You can generate LRIS scripts either automatically or manually:
  • Automated scripting. The XLRIS widget can be used in either simulate mode or in control mode to generate "setup scripts" which can be used to configurethe instrument. See the document XLRIS Scripts for further information.
  • Custom scripting. Since the instrument control computer (lrisserver) is a typical Unix workstation, more general scripts can be composed using any language available to the Unix programmer. Generally, csh and tcsh are the languages of choice. Such scripts can make use of our extensive existing library of commands to perform complex operations. Further information on the use of Unix scripts with LRIS is given in the document LRIS Shell Scripts.

See Also

Last modified: 12/28/2011 20:19
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